Why Boarding Up Doors and Windows Is Necessary
Before a storm, you should board up all doors and windows. This can help protect the property from theft, vandalism, and damage.
A vacant building is an invitation to thieves, vandals and squatters. A professional board-up will include carriage bolts which are only removed from the inside and will be weighed for the door frames.
Protection against vandals
Vacant properties can be an ideal target for vandals, thieves, and squatters. Placing a fence around a home that is damaged, broken down or destroyed can provide valuable protection from such criminals. This is particularly important for homes and businesses that are under renovation or construction. It's possible that the structure will be vacant for a certain time and boarding up doorway (get redirected here) up the doors and windows blocks access by criminals until the work is finished.
In addition to providing protection from vandals, a emergency boarding up 24/7 up service can also protect your property from weather damage. A damaged or broken window or door can be a target for criminals as it allows them to look inside your home. A boarding-up service will ensure that all the windows and doors are shut and all entry points are screened to stop water, debris and cold air from entering the structure.
Plywood is commonly used to block windows, but it doesn't provide the same level of security as steel security screens. Plywood is typically anchored to the ground using screws that are easily removed by criminals with the proper tools. However, the specialized anti-tamper fixings used to secure screens made of steel are extremely difficult to remove without the right tool.
In addition, securing the entry points of your vacant investment property with steel screens is less expensive than boarding with plywood. The slight upfront cost of the materials is a small amount in comparison to the risk of loss or damage caused by a burglary or act of vandalism in a vacant building.
A boarding-up company that is professional can also install doors equipped with locking mechanisms. These locks will protect your property from squatters and criminals, and give peace of mind to homeowners who are going on vacation. You can also ask a family member or neighbor to look over your property on a regular basis to ensure it's maintained. These simple steps can deter burglars and other criminals from targeting your home or business. It is important to take proactive measures to safeguard your investment property.
Animal protection
The boards provide protection against animals that may attempt to gain access to your property due to different reasons, such as shelter for the night or to satisfy curiosity. Animals who enter the home could cause problems, ranging from damage to the structure to health risks. The act of boarding up company up windows and doors helps to keep animals out which could be a danger, keeping pets and children safe as well. It is important to note, however, that openings on second or higher floors should not be boarding when they are only accessible by ladder or accessible from adjoining properties, stairwells or fire escapes.
Protection from the elements
The boards guard doors and windows from damage by debris and wind during the storm. It also helps prevent vandalism and burglaries. Depending on the severity of the weather, a house or business owner can decide when it is appropriate to put up up windows and doors. The earlier the boarding is done and the better protection the property will receive.
Boards can be secured using nails or screws. It is recommended to use nails that are long enough to penetrate through the plywood and into the door frame. You can also use steel security doors which are wedged in place using friction and anti-tamper screws. This makes it impossible to take the panels off with crowbars and gives the same degree of security as traditional timber boards.
Before boarding up, it is important to analyze the situation in order to select the appropriate materials and methods. This will save you time and money while providing the best level of protection. The assessment should include assessing vulnerability and identifying potential issues and determining if reinforcements are needed. To make the process of boarding up windows near me more efficient and more secure, it is essential to remove any obstructions and furniture from the area.
The team will then prepare the door and frame to allow for the installation of the board by cleaning the surface and taking out any hardware. They will also make any necessary repairs. The area will then be sanded to ensure a smooth fit for the boards as well as to make them more resistant to wind and other forces. It is also an excellent idea to mark the plywood boards with the name of the door or window they are designed for to avoid confusion and ensure easy identification.
After marking the boards then they are cut to size. They will then be installed over the openings or vulnerable areas of the structure. Screws should be placed every few inches to keep the boards in place. Drilling pilot holes is a good idea to prevent splitting and to make the process of insertion easier. The boards can be caulked to prevent leaks and increase weather resistance.
Pest protection
A vacant building is an opportunity for raccoons, squirrels, and mice to seek shelter or food. They can cause significant damage to a structure and pose health risks as well as the spread of diseases. By boarding up a door windows and doors, you can stop pests from entering the structure and creating damage.
While it's important to board up access points, you must ensure that any gaps along the perimeter of your building are sealed. For example, mouse pests can fit through openings about 1/16 of an inch wide and spiders can squeeze into cracks that are the size of a quarter. Installing weather strips and door sweeps on all doors to the outside will help reduce gaps.
Also, you should take away organic debris from your home or business. For instance, keep mulch and pine straw away from the foundation of your house cut tree branches 12 to 14 inches away from the siding and roof and get rid of any weeds that grow in or close to your building's foundation. This will stop pests from getting into your property and creating damage.
Another thing that can be done to block insects from entering a structure is to employ an air curtain. This device is essentially an industrial-sized fan that is attached to the ceiling, and it creates the air over windows, doors and entranceways. This prevents flying insects and other pests from entering the area, and it is a good idea to use it in areas such as back shipping doors and drive-thru windows at restaurants.
Remember, though, that it's not necessary to board up openings above the first floor unless they're accessible with the aid of a ladder. They can be used as an escape route or a stairwell. You should also avoid boarding up windows and doors in a building that is occupied by squatters, as this can give the impression of dereliction and encourage criminal activity. If you're unsure of how to do with a vacant property you can hire a professional board service to cover any openings to give the impression that it is still being used.